SCOUT KEY, Florida Keysrime viewing of southern constellations, comets and stars is to draw hundreds of amateur and professional astronomers to the Lower Florida Keys Monday through Sunday, Feb. 4-10.

Winter Star Party
The 29th annual Winter Star Party is to take place at Camp Wesumkee, a Girl Scout camp at mile marker 34.5 off U.S. Highway 1 on Scout Key, formerly known as West Summerland Key. The Lower Keys’ southern location and relative absence of artificial lighting at night create optimal viewing conditions.

Professional Astronomers
As many as 600 amateur and professional astronomers from around the world are to participate, attracted by the chance to view the Southern Cross and other southern constellations. The Florida Keys are among the only places in the contiguous United States where those celestial objects can be seen.

Astronomy Photo Contest
Participants also can shop for astronomy equipment from on-site vendors, display their skills in photo contests, take lessons to enhance their mirror-grinding prowess, compete for raffle prizes and exchange information with fellow astronomy aficionados. Special “Kids Kamp” activities are arranged for young astronomers.

Miami’s Southern Cross Astronomical Society
The gathering is hosted by Miami’s Southern Cross Astronomical Society. Founded in 1922, the SCAS is one of the oldest amateur astronomical societies in the Western Hemisphere.

Camp Wesumkee
Viewing of the night skies is scheduled to begin at approximately 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Feb. 4-9, and continue until dawn. Event participants must depart Camp Wesumkee by 10 a.m. Sunday.

The Winter Star Party is open to the public as well as to SCAS members, though advance registration is required for the event. Tickets are not available for sale at the event.

famtripper fun fact

Eiffel TowerThe total amount of steps in the Eiffel Tower is 1665. Indulge in an enormous amount of pastries and croissants, because you are able to walk to the second level of the tallest building in Paris. The third level, thankfully, is only accessible by elevator.